The most noticeable interior feature of the new Ford Taurus is the sheer size of the space inside the car, 108 cubic feet inside, with a 21 cubic-foot trunk, according to EPA measurements, making it by far the largest interior in the class at 129 cubic feet total.

With folding rear seats and a flat-folding right front seat, you can put a nine-foot-long object inside the car. After you notice the space and the limo-like rear-seat accommodations, you then begin to notice that every piece in the interior, the instruments, controls, shifter, seats, console, and dashboard, has been redesigned, with a more luxurious feel and lots more chrome trim here and there. They've added a plug for an MP3 player inside the center console as standard equipment.

The Motorola Sync system offers integration with all Bluetooth-enabled phones and music players, including iPods, via electronic and USB 2.0 connections. Sync features include the ability to have text messages read aloud, voice recognition for control of both phone and music functions, and phonebook transfer. The system is upgradeable for future players and for additional functionality down the road. Sync will be offered on Taurus and 11 other 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles later this year.

A Taurus Limited AWD we drove was loaded with options, including AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, a roof-mounted rear-seat DVD entertainment system, heated front seats, convenience package, wood package, power adjustable pedals, a moonroof, voice-activated touch-screen navigation, Sirius satellite radio, and reverse sensing system, bringing the bottom line to $33,600, and making it the best-equipped Taurus possible, short of the 18-inch chromed aluminum wheel option.